Systems and methods for monitoring and controlled capture of air samples for analysis

Abstract

There are provided methods for analyzing air including monitoring the air. For example, monitoring the air includes electronically sensing the air and determining whether an event in the air is occurring based on at least the electronically sensing. If an event is occurring, a sample of the air is collected for a further analysis. For example, the analysis is carried out to identify components present in the sample. There are also provided systems for analyzing air comprising : an air intake; an electronic sensor and a controller configured to monitor the air. Monitoring air includes controlling the air intake, controlling the electronic sensor to electronically sensing the air and determining whether an event in the air is occurring based on at least the electronically sensing. If an event is occurring, a sample of the air is collected for further analysis (e.g. to identify components present in the sample).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority on U.S. 61 / 784,654 filed on Mar. 14, 2013, that is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The present subject-matter relates to monitoring of air, and more particularly to monitoring the air to trigger a collection of a sample of the air for a further analysis.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0003]Monitoring air quality is important in many situations and knowing what to monitor and trigger the monitoring or sampling event adds a layer of complexity. Poor air quality having toxic or odorous chemicals can result in stress effects resulting in detrimental health or environmental effects, or in the least cause a nuisance. Monitoring air quality is particularly important in areas that are near sources of emissions, such as industrial operations, municipal activities, airports, port or mining operations.[0004]Current continuous air quality analyzers are limited in the n...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a way to monitor air quality using electronic sensors that can detect specific chemicals. These sensors work together to create a distinctive profile of the air, which can be analyzed to identify different chemical compositions. This method allows for continuous monitoring of air quality and the ability to collect samples for further analysis as needed. Overall, the patent provides a way to quickly and accurately analyze air quality in a cost-effective and efficient way.

Problems solved by technology

Monitoring air quality is important in many situations and knowing what to monitor and trigger the monitoring or sampling event adds a layer of complexity.

Poor air quality having toxic or odorous chemicals can result in stress effects resulting in detrimental health or environmental effects, or in the least cause a nuisance.

Current continuous air quality analyzers are limited in the number of chemical compounds that may be analyzed.

Furthermore; these analyzers are expensive and need to be installed in a controlled environment.

These analyzers also need to be ranged properly to but as the maximum range increases the detection at the lower end of the range is compromised.

Higher ranging instruments typically are at the expense of lower detection limits.

The opposite is true for sensitive ranging, low detection ranging resulting in loss of higher range readings or off scale measurement.

Where poor air quality events are intermittent and of a short duration, a non-continuous analyzer may miss these events.

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